HS Code for Mobile Charger in India: Adapter Code, BIS and Duty

Mobile chargers are a bread-and-butter item for many Amazon and Flipkart sellers. Small, light, high volume. But because they're sold with phones and next to power banks, importers often get the code wrong in one of two directions.

Here's how I'd sort it out before the order goes in.

The usual HS code: 8504 40 30

A wall charger takes AC mains power and converts it to low-voltage DC to charge the phone's battery. That conversion is exactly what "static converter" means. It has no moving parts and doesn't store energy, so it sits in 8504 40.

Why not 8517 79 (phone parts)?

This is one of the most common mix-ups I see. Because a charger comes in the phone box, people assume it's a "part" or "accessory" of the phone and put it under 8517. But a charger isn't a part of a telephone. It's a separate machine with its own heading, and the tariff names static converters directly. The more specific description wins.

The opposite mistake is putting a power bank under 8504 40. A power bank stores energy, so it goes under 8507 with batteries. If your charger has a built-in battery, it may follow the power bank instead.

What decides the final classification

• Plain wall adapter or charger: usually 8504 40 30.
• Car chargers: still a static converter, usually the same line, but check how your supplier describes it.
• Wireless charging pads: these work differently (induction), and customs can look at them more closely. Check before you import.
• Charger with a cable in the box: usually classified as the charger. A cable sold on its own has its own code (8544 42).
• Charger with a built-in battery: may be a power bank, not a charger.

How import duty is worked out

Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Chargers for mobile phones have had their own duty treatment through notifications as part of the phased manufacturing push, and the rate has changed more than once. Check the current rate for 8504 40 30 on the day you file.

The quickest check is to describe your charger in a lookup, or put your numbers in the import duty calculator.

Compliance checklist for mobile chargers

🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required

Mistakes that cost importers money

• Declaring chargers as phone parts under 8517.
• Importing a new wattage model that isn't on the factory's BIS registration. 20W and 33W versions are often separate registrations.
• Mixing chargers and cables on one line when they're sold separately in India.
• Missing the R-number print on the charger body. Customs and marketplaces both check.

My advice

Chargers are a volume game, so a small mistake repeats on every container. Get the BIS registration list from your supplier, match every model number to it, and confirm the code once. After that, it's routine.